Be one of the first 100 to experience Siem Reap’s newest contemporary dining sensation! Step into the storied ambiance of a mid-century riverside mansion, once the envisioned residence of the French Governor in Siem Reap, now transformed into the focal point of culinary delight at FCC Angkor by Avani.

The Mansion unveils its fine dining conceptual restaurant. Starting April 11th, guests can immerse themselves in tantalizing “journeys,” featuring three exquisite set menus inspired by Khmer terroir, geography, and traditions. Even vegans will find their palates delighted with a specially crafted menu.

With a commitment to sustainability, each dish showcases premium organic produce sourced directly from Cambodian farmers. But it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience. Prepare to be enchanted by playful touches that unveil hidden aromas and culinary customs, elevating your dining experience to new heights.

Exclusive to dinner service, The Mansion’s Dinner Hours menu promises a rotation of fresh dishes every quarter, ensuring each visit brings a delightful surprise. Indulge in seasonal flavors, from the interactive Khmer Leaf Wraps made with organic Betel leaves from FCC’s garden to the elegantly minimalist Tonlé Sap Fish Soup, served freshly from a traditional tea pot.

The Mansion Dinner Hours invites its first 100 guests from April 11th to savor a complimentary creative cocktail from their menu of literary-inspired concoctions, adding a dash of whimsy to an already extraordinary evening.

Set menus starting from 39 USD, with à la carte options also available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this culinary revolution in Siem Reap!

THE MANSION | APRIL 11 ONWARDS

Escape from the heat and get lost in a tropical cocktails’ paradise with award-winning guest mixologist Grazia di Franco at Scribe Bar

As an extension of Tropical Month, renowned bartender Grazia di Franco will be mixing up delicious cocktails at Scribe Bar with Maison Ferrand, one of the world’s premier boutique producers of fine spirit,s featuring Planteray Rum and Citadelle Gin – France’s most awarded Gin! – in what promises to be a refreshing night of tropical vibes.

If you are a fan of fine spirits and appreciate when a cocktail is well-mixed, be sure to stop by this Tropical Week special event at Scribe on Friday, April 19^th, and sip in one of Grazia’s Strawberry, Coffee and Negroni or Basil Colada. Now Maison Ferrand brand ambassador, she has been awarded with the Strega Liquor Modern Mixing Champion of 2016 and perfected her skills in top bars in Amsterdam, Sydney or Miami. Surely a refreshing shot in Siem Reap!

SCRIBE BAR | FREE ENTRANCE | APRIL 19 | FROM 6 PM

Have your say on the design of the new FCC House Spirits Collection and stand the chance of winning a limited-edition bottle as you support a good cause:

Coinciding with the launch of their new dinner experience, FCC Angkor by Avani will be launching FCC House Spirits Collection, a bespoke duo of aromatic gin and crisp vodka with a social spirit that encapsulate the olfactive essence of Cambodian landscapes and FCC Angkor by Avani’s gardens.

12 artists from NGO Colors of Cambodia will pour their hearts on designing the bottles’ labels for a community-led limited edition, and to choose which art pieces will be the winner, a cheerful public contest will take place at Scribe Bar on April 24^th.

Gin, vodka, and art lovers are invited to vote for the labels of this Cambodian gin and vodka, distilled by Herbal Kulen Gin in Siem Reap and Seekers Vodka in Phnom Penh respectively.

Attendees will also stand a chance to win a bottle (or two!). And of course, to taste the new spirits: an entrance fee of 5 USD will go directly to the Colors of Cambodia NGO, and will grant guests one hour of free-flow cocktails made with the brand-new spirits.

SCRIBE BAR | 5 USD SOCIAL ENTRANCE FEE | APRIL 24 | FROM 5 PM

Enjoy a UNESCO-supported Apsara Dance performance dinner under the stars before the rainy season comes in

Whether you are an Apsara Dance connoisseur, or you have never witnessed this traditional dance in Cambodia, The Khmer Royal Ballet’s Culinary Experience at FCC Angkor comes recommended. The Sacred Dancers of Angkor, a professional dance company recognized by UNESCO and the Cambodian Royal Family, performs a truly distinctive Apsara dance enjoyable with any of the journeys of their new dinner menu. While the rains allow, this special performance dinner will still take place under the stars at FCC’s Gardens, and during the rainy season it will happen in the allure of The Mansion.

Every Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 pm | FCC Garden or The Mansion

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The pandemic has also been essential in this, as people realized that there is no better preventive medicine than a balanced, functioning body and a holistic approach to health and a higher quality of life.

There seem to be infinite reasons why people are jumping on the wellness wagon. With such a strong global rise in consciousness and awareness, it comes as no surprise that the wellness industry is one of the fastest-growing markets, with an exponential growth rate of 10 percent per year!

Expanding Horizons: The Emergence and Growth of Holistic Wellness Tourism in Southeast Asia Beyond Bali and Thailand, with a Focus on Siem Reap

Southeast Asia, because of its culture and beauty and strong cultural connection with the whole of it all, has always been a mecca for people looking to enhance this life experience, but until a few years ago, it was mainly limited to Bali and Thailand, and now we see in Siem Reap tens of wellness operators offering a variety of holistic offerings.

Siem Reap is on the world map among the top wellness destinations!

Last year, Siem Reap hosted its first Wellness Weekend, and it was an absolute success, with many hotels and operators offering free activities to celebrate the largest wellness movement on earth. This was graduation, and now Siem Reap is on the world map among the top wellness destinations!

One resort that pioneered this trend is Navutu Dreams Resort and Wellness Retreat. Navutu opened its doors in 2012 as the first fully wellness-dedicated resort in Cambodia.

Navutu’s creators discovered a land filled with rich Khmer traditions, Buddhist heritage, a magical temple complex, and a serene countryside. This beautiful land, people, and energy reminded them of Bali in the 90s. With confidence and trust, they decided to pioneer international wellness standards and offerings in Cambodia for the first time.

About Navutu Dreams Resort and Wellness Retreat

Navutu offers a variety of amenities to ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. With 30 rooms, 3 pools, and 2 beautiful yoga shalas, guests have ample space to unwind and disconnect. The property also features yoga sunset terraces, healing rooms, and a natural spa, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and profound transformation.

Available Wellness Packages

Navutu boasts a strong and dedicated team of resident yoga and meditation teachers and healers. They offer twice-a-day classes to help guests deepen their practice and find inner peace. In addition, the team hosts Saturdays in Depth, a series of inspirational workshops designed to educate and inspire. The property also offers a wide range of wellness packages and individual offerings to cater to each guest’s unique needs.

Navutu’s most beloved offerings at present are private sacred shamanic cacao ceremonies. These ceremonies are limited to a maximum of 10 people to ensure an intimate and personal experience. The beautiful healing plant medicine of cacao is used to harmonize us on an emotional and spiritual level. It opens the heart and brings clarity, making it a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

Other recommended wellness packages at Navutu include the following:

The Chakra Healing Massage contains subtle energy work that complements the physical benefits and stimulates healing, as well as spiritual fulfillment. The treatment includes a guided meditation and a personalized aura reading (information on the seven main chakras). ($95/90 min).

The Energy Balancing Massage is a unique holistic healing and well-being method that brings the body’s energy into alignment. This ancient healing technique combines the power of essential oil massage with the principles of energy work to unblock and restore the flow of energy in our body, mind, and spirit. ($80/60 min).

Intuitive Reiki Healing: Navutu’s dedicated Reiki Therapist offers a unique celestial experience that boosts your natural healing process physically, mentally, and emotionally, while also channeling spiritual guidance to provide insight that supports your healing journey. ($95/90 min).

In deep lymphatic work: Many forms of sickness and/or pain can be traced back to an insufficiently functioning lymphatic system. If this beautiful clearing system is blocked, it can lead to the buildup of toxins in the body and, further, anxiety, chronic pain, digestive problems, lethargy, skin and sleep problems, among other symptoms. ($80/60 min).

Setting Wellness Goals

Navutu also offers prior consultations to help guests navigate the various healing experiences available. During these consultations, guests can learn about the different options and choose the most appropriate and tailor-made package for their needs. At Navutu, it’s all about personalized experiences, as each guest is on a different path of life with unique needs and bodies. This ensures that every guest receives the care and attention they need to achieve their wellness goals.

Continuing the Wellness Journey

Feeling and being healthy comes naturally when you’re surrounded by the blissful grounds of Navutu and supported by experienced energy workers. However, maintaining that wellness after leaving the resort can be a different story. For this reason, Navutu is delighted to offer online follow-up options for their guests. These options allow guests to continue on their wellness journey even after they return to their normal lives, ensuring that the benefits of their stay at Navutu are long-lasting.

Navutu is a plastic-free hotel and winner of many awards and accolades. For instance, they received the Green Hotel Award recognized by ASEAN at the ATF in Brunei. They also offer free community yoga for Khmer citizens and work with United Yoga, offering the first free yoga teacher training programs for Khmer citizens.

They have a delicious restaurant with a blend of Southeast Asian and Italian delicacies, comprising a standard menu and a wellness menu. Striving to buy local, organic ingredients and grow their own herbs and teas, which are also 100 percent organic and free to enjoy all day long in their restaurant. Lastly, in the spa, you can get facials with local ingredients that are totally fresh and good enough to eat.

10% Discount – Don’t Miss this Offer!

Navutu Dreams Resort and Siemreap.net currently have a fantastic offer to start your wellness journey, giving you the chance to rejuvenate and find balance for your body, mind, and soul.

Enjoy a 10% discount on the following wellness packages by mentioning Siemreap.net and/or this article:

• Experience a one day retreat aimed at deep healing for your body, mind, and soul to awaken your spiritual journey.
• Or if you would like to become more at peace with yourself, gain insight into your overall well-being and perspective, and create a lifelong impression on your body, mind, and spirit this three days / two nights retreat.

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For over two decades, Siem Reap has witnessed a surge in local handicraft production, predominantly targeting young women from impoverished rural households. However, amidst this positive change, the significance of handicrafts as a source of income for Cambodia’s elderly population has remained overshadowed.

Two decades ago, vibrant young weavers and carvers found joy and financial stability in handicraft production. Fast-forward to today, and we witness a shift. For example, Pah AW mat producers in Siem Reap’s rural villages now predominantly consist of skilled, elderly women over 60 years. Their craftsmanship is exceptional, and their livelihoods depend on the income generated through mat weaving—a norm rather than an exception.

In the present scenario, young individuals have diversified job opportunities, particularly in the thriving tourism sector. However, the importance of handicrafts for elderly citizens cannot be overstated. Often living in poverty and solitude, these individuals find solace, income, and purpose through the art of handicraft production.

Recognizing this unmet need, Fair Trade Village has taken a pivotal role in ensuring that elderly artisans gain access to the souvenir market. By integrating more handicraft products produced by elderly individuals, Fair Trade Village is not just offering economic support but is also preserving traditional techniques in products like bamboo baskets, Pa Ah mats, and traditional musical instruments.

As we envision a future where marketplaces and handicraft traders prioritize supporting the elderly, let’s celebrate the untapped potential of Cambodia’s rural artisans. Their stories are woven into every creation, embodying resilience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship.

The post Empowering Elders: Unveiling the Untapped Potential of Handicrafts in Cambodia’s Rural Heart appeared first on Siemreap.net.

A haven for travelers

Adventurers and taste-seekers to discover Cambodian flavors and stories through locally crafted cocktails”. That is the concept behind Scribe Bar, a spirited cocktail bar in Siem Reap that aims to distil the best of Cambodian mixology into edible stories with their new collection of creative cocktails.

If you are wondering which the best places for cocktails in Siem Reap are, you must know that there is much more than Pub Street in the city. Although there are good options in the more crowded areas that surround Pub Street, some of the most charming bars in Siem Reap are in slightly quieter areas. Just as the newly launched signature cocktail bar Scribe at FCC Angkor by Avani, that is having a premiere open party this weekend.

Advantages of Scribe

Lushly secluded from noisy Pub Street, yet right at the city center and only a few steps away from the Royal Palace, Scribe Bar sits in front of Siem Reap river at FCC Angkor by Avani Hotel’s historical building, that is itself a quite interesting spot in the city.

“Each cocktail is created by our mixologist after a story that inspires us and is related to the history of the building, which hosted many writers and journalist that created the Foreigner Correspondents Club. Scribe is our way to allow guests to imbibe the Hotel’s rich history and enjoy a different experience that goes beyond a cocktail” – says Jacques, General Manager of the hotel and sommelier, who is determined to offer one of the best spirits’ lists of Siem Reap.

And that starts with the best local spirits, from gin to rum, that are a key part of the wide spirit’s offer at this relaxed al fresco bar in Siem Reap riverside. “Besides placing Cambodian mixology on the map, we want to make our cocktails as sustainable as possible. Cambodian premium spirits are the perfect go for us, since these brands are making incredible spirits” – explains Krisna, the mixologist behind the bar.

To see Krisna, the mixologist, and his team of baristas shake and serve their creations is part of the experience. It is always a good option to ask them for advice at the bar, or to just jump into the menu and go for their catchy Pretty Writer or The Lover.

You can accompany this charming Siem Reap bar’s story-driven drinks with tasty bar bites, also new additions to a well-rounded and reasonably priced menu full of original creations, almost always with a local touch.

All of these makes Scribe one of the best places for cocktails in Siem Reap in our opinion. Worthy to stop by after a long day visiting the Temples, whether you are looking for a relaxing evening or an upbeat end to the day.

Contact details

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Motivated by their struggles, we embarked on a mission to unite these craftspeople under one roof. This led to the creation of Satcha, our innovative incubation program aimed at nurturing and training these gifted individuals to become successful entrepreneurs. We firmly believe that through this cultural and social mission, we can establish a more sustainable model, one that empowers craftspeople rather than providing them with low-paying jobs for extended periods.

Our comprehensive incubation program goes beyond technical training. We understand the importance of equipping these craftspeople with essential soft skills that will bolster their independence and sustainability. Thus, we offer a wide range of courses, including language training, marketing strategies, effective communication, design principles, and business creation methodologies. By investing in their personal and professional growth, we are confident that these artisans will soon become self-reliant and flourish in their craft.

Our vision extends far beyond the confines of a single location. We envision incubation workshops across every province in Cambodia, reaching out to all craftspeople who face similar challenges as those at Satcha. By expanding our reach, we aspire to make a profound impact on the lives of countless craftspeople throughout the country.

Since May 2023, we have commenced our language classes, which encompass both English and Khmer. Out of the 40 talented craftspeople selected, we currently have 32 participants enrolled in the program. To ensure personalized attention, we have divided the class into three groups. Three days a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – we dedicate an hour to English lessons for each group. Additionally, every Saturday morning, we hold a Khmer language class. We are also actively working on introducing additional courses as part of our ongoing plans.

Cambodian craftspeople possess an extraordinary level of talent and skill in crafting handmade products, passed down through generations or learned from their parents. However, due to the lack of exposure to soft skills training, they often miss out on the opportunity to harness their talents and become independent owners of their craft. At Satcha, we strive to break this cycle and empower these craftspeople to take control of their destiny. By providing them with the necessary soft skills, we aim to unlock their full potential and enable them to chart their own path towards success.

Join us on this inspiring journey as we pave the way for a brighter future for Cambodia’s artisans. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that celebrates their talents and preserves their rich cultural heritage, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

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Pride in Siem Reap

The events in Siem Reap will kick off on Friday, May 12:

• Opening night at the iconic Shinta Mani Hotel, from 6 to 9 pm. The event will feature a photo exhibition, poetry readings, a fashion show, and a live art painting by an artist from Phare Ponleu Selpak, KARONA.
• Drag show at Barcode at 9 pm.

On Saturday, May 13, there will be a variety of events taking place throughout the city, including:

• A community pride run, meeting point at Angkor Thom South Gate at 5 am.
• A Nia session at Alchemy from 9 to 10:15 am.
• A Zumba session at Beautiful Life Organization from 10 to 11 am.
• Pride race from 2 to 5 pm.
• Tapas & Music night at Navutu Dreams at 6 pm.
• Rendezvous Night at Rendezvous bar from 8:30 pm until late.

On Sunday, May 14, there will be more event:

• Community bike ride from 7 to 10 am.
• Pride Brunch at FCC Angkor from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
• Fitness sessions at Bambujaya from 3 to 4 pm.
• An LGBTIQ+ themed nerd night at Pomme at 7 pm.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness of the challenges that they face. The events in Siem Reap, Battambang, and Phnom Penh are a great opportunity to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and to learn more about their experiences.

One program in particular, Friends With Benefits, has allowed various businesses and institutions to show their support by helping to raise money for the local LGBTIQ+ drop-in center. A Place to be Yourself, who have recently moved into their very own space (and who welcome an average of 300+ local visitors per month). Each place will offer a percentage of their sales and promotions during these days.

Planning to attend an event or activity?

Check the Pride Cambodia Facebook page for more details.

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The festival is a great opportunity for students to learn about the different skills and talents that Khmer professionals have to offer. Visitors can explore the tents of the different professionals, ask questions, and get inspired. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections.

Why Attend the Kingdom Talent Festival?

• Learn about different career paths. The Kingdom Talent Festival will feature a wide variety of professionals from different industries. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about different career paths and find out what it takes to be successful in their chosen field.
• Get inspired. The Festival is a great place to be inspired by the stories of successful professionals. Hearing about their challenges and successes can help you to believe in yourselves and your own dream.
• Make connections. The Kingdom Talent Festival is a great place to meet new people and make connections. You will network with professionals, learn about their work, and get advice on their own career goals.
• Support the local community. The Fair is a community-building event. By attending, you will show support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. And learn more about the local entrepreneur culture and history.

About Satcha

Satcha is a Cambodian handicraft incubation center that provides a space for artisans to learn new skills, develop their businesses, and connect with other artisans. The center was founded in 2018 by a group of entrepreneurs who were passionate about preserving Cambodian handicrafts. Satcha offers a variety of services to artisans, including:

• Training on handicraft production techniques
• Assistance with marketing and business development
• Access to a shared workspace and tools
• Networking opportunities with other artisans

Satcha’s goal is to help Cambodian artisans create sustainable businesses that contribute to the local economy. The center has helped hundreds of artisans improve their skills and start their own businesses. Satcha is a valuable resource for Cambodian artisans and a great example of how entrepreneurship can be used to preserve traditional culture.

The Kingdom Talent Festival is a great opportunity for you to learn about Satcha and the work that they do. Visitors to the festival will learn about the different handicrafts that are produced in Cambodia, and they can also meet the artisans who create them. The festival is also a great opportunity to support Satcha and their mission to promote Cambodian handicraft.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 20th

• 3pm: Festival starts
• 4pm: Feature Presentation – Pheak, Medha Women Drummers
• 5pm: Feature Presentation – Krisna, Creative Cocktails
• 6pm: Feature Presentation – Soran, Shadow Puppets

Sunday, May 21st

• 9am: Festival starts
• 10am: Feature Presentation – Johny, Khun Khmer
• 11am: Feature Presentation – Mony, Sam Veasna
• 3pm: Feature Presentation – Sirivan, Fashion show
• 4pm: Feature Presentation – Soran, Shadow puppets
• 6:00pm: End of the festival

Featured Professionals

• Pheak is a drummer who leads a group of women empowering other women through music.
• Krisna is a mixologist who creates delicious and artistic cocktails.
• Soran is a shadow puppeteer who has been practicing his art for over 50 years.
• Johny is a Khun Khmer martial artist and fighter.
• Mony is a lead bird guide.
• Sirivan is a fashion designer who creates modern and stylish designs that reflect her love of Cambodian culture.

The festival is also a great opportunity to support Satcha and their mission to promote Cambodian handicraft. The Kingdom Talent Festival is a free event and is open to the public.

It will be held on Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st.

Satcha is located at House #256, BBU Road, Siem Reap. Contact details and Google Map can be found here.

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Meet Karona: The 20-Year-Old Artist Taking Siem Reap’s Art Scene by Storm

For its debut exhibition, Daerleng will showcase the works of up-and-coming Khmer artist Karona. Despite being only 20 years old, this talented artist from Siem Reap has already exhibited his work in several prestigious venues, including a solo exhibition at La Java Blue in Kampot and the Angkor International Festival of the Arts. He honed his craft at the Visual Arts section of Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang, where he learned new techniques and developed his unique style.

Get to Know Karona’s Artistic Style at Daerleng’s Debut Exhibition

Karona’s exhibition at Daerleng features two series of four creations, blending elements of expressionism, symbolism, and neo-expressionism. All of his artworks are characterized by intricate interlacing, which is one of the artist’s signature styles.

The first series is rich in symbolic details, blending universal references with typical Khmer cultural elements. The exhibition takes its name from the centerpiece, a stunning vertical canvas called Uprising. This mixed-media artwork combines acrylic and pencil on silk to create a colorful and vibrant depiction of movement, uprising, germination, elevation, and springing.

The second series is more serene and refined, featuring four paintings of water lilies in the hatching phase. The series represents the emergence and development of a young artist and is connected by four different nuances of blue.

Karona is set to have a busy month in Siem Reap, with several exhibitions and live painting shows lined up, including the Pride Week opening ceremony at Shinta Mani on May 12. On top of that, he is currently working on a project to paint the frontage of a shop in Kandal Village, which will soon become his permanent gallery on the mezzanine floor.

The Vernissage: Hours & Admission

The Vernissage will take place on April 4th from 10am – 2pm, but if you can’t make it on that day, don’t worry. The exhibition at Daerleng restaurant will continue until June 30th. Admission is free, so be sure to stop by and check out Karona’s already impressive artwork collection.

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The first edition of the Francophone Film Festival was a resounding success in 2020, and this year, Alliance française is taking on the challenge once again. The festival promises to be even more thrilling, showcasing a selection of thirteen French-language films from European, Asian, African, and North American countries at the Legend Heritage Walk cinema.

Four Days of Fantastic French Cinema

Kicking off the festival with a bang on Friday 28th April, the opening ceremony will feature a preview screening of “Apsara”, a Cambodian cinema gem directed by His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk in 1966, under the high presidency of Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

The closing ceremony on Monday 1st May will feature the screening of “Le Bleu de Caftan,” followed by a dinner cocktail at Embassy restaurant (by invitation). The festival will celebrate the diverse cultures and geographic regions of the Francophonie while highlighting the rich heritage of Cambodian cinema.

Expect the attendance of cinema professionals from Southeast Asia and other Francophone territories, including notable personalities from the industry. This festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Francophone cinema and discover the emerging talent in the industry.

Lineup of Films at Legend Heritage Walk

Planning to attend a screening? Check the calendar below or consult this online brochure for more details.

Free Admission

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable festival! Mark your calendars and arrive early to secure your spot. Screenings are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis for both locals and foreigners!

About the Organizer

Alliance Française de Siem Reap is a local association created in 2018 with the aim of promoting the French language and culture in the historic city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. As an association, it offers general and specific French courses, both group and private, as well as a varied cultural program throughout the year.

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